This is a nice short 2 mile trail that connects to the North Loop Trail. I hiked this in the fresh snow and the trail was easy to follow. In the summer, you should be in the shade most of the way. In the 2 miles you climb an elevation gain of 1,530 feet as you reach a saddle at the North Loop Trail junction. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trail-canyon-trail-las-vegas?select=LrvNL6WYeiC2pllYa_YtYw#gN7nIomxvQvcn57WC-v8rw
To continue towards Mt Charleston Peak, head west, to the left on the North Loop Trail. To the east you will find the Raintree, Mummy Spring and the Fletcher Peak Trail. By taking this Trail Canyon Trail to summit Mt Charleston, you will save a round trip of 3.6 miles than if you took the North Loop Trail all the way to the peak. Plus, I found the North Loop Trail harder to follow in the snow on the way to the Raintree. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6sXBs3DxbmknbsfVOFru6A&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw
To get to the Trail Canyon trailhead take US 95 to Route 157 towards Kyle Canyon. Off Route 157, 2.1 miles past the Visitors Center, at a hairpin turn, go straight onto Echo Road towards the Mary Jane Falls sign. In about a half of a mile you will reach the Trail Canyon trailhead, just past the Mary Jane Falls trailhead. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trail-canyon-trail-las-vegas?select=LrvNL6WYeiC2pllYa_YtYw#LrvNL6WYeiC2pllYa_YtYw